Canucks Set Up to Hire Gillis

[AtLossForWords]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=235503&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main

Here's the scoop. Being that he's Nazzy's agent I somehow see him coming back next season. Isn't this a strange move? To hire a captain's agent to be GM when he's a change that could've been made in the direction of this team?

[gordphish]

Seems like a sideways move to me, fellas.

Who knows, though. The Yankees have done well enough having their owner in charge of player movement, and Cuban has success with it in Dallas. Maybe it works.

Still would have prefferred someone with previous experience and a few Cup rings.

Also, I don't think this automatically means Naslund is coming back. I do think it means we've seen the last of Vigneault, though.

[rustybadcock]

Agreed, I think V is done. And Bowman will be the bench boss next fall. You all know who I believe should be the coach....moving on.

I don't know how to feel about this. I suppose on on hand he's been a player agent for many many players, he knows the game from the other side of the table. That could go a long way when bring people in and if he was well liked, guys are going to want to work for him now. So....

I also suspect we will hear of a substantial trade or signing before the draft. It could very well be what closed the deal on this hiring. Gillis brought something to the table no one else could and he won the prize. I suspect he has the best trump card.

And lossy, I don't believe he's Naslunds agent anymore. Everything I am seeing is saying "ex-player agent". I am thinking that's a pretty big conflict of interests and even if he was Naslunds guy right up until he got this job he isn't today. I don't see how ethically he could be both now.

HOwever, on the bright side, he knows all Marcus's thoughts so Marcus is pretty much phucked at the table when they do start talking. He knows his bluffs and he knows what buttons will make him dance. I see that as a big plus.

RB

[gordphish]

Agreed, I think V is done. And Bowman will be the bench boss next fall. You all know who I believe should be the coach....moving on.

I don't know how to feel about this. I suppose on on hand he's been a player agent for many many players, he knows the game from the other side of the table. That could go a long way when bring people in and if he was well liked, guys are going to want to work for him now. So....

I also suspect we will hear of a substantial trade or signing before the draft. It could very well be what closed the deal on this hiring. Gillis brought something to the table no one else could and he won the prize. I suspect he has the best trump card.

And lossy, I don't believe he's Naslunds agent anymore. Everything I am seeing is saying "ex-player agent". I am thinking that's a pretty big conflict of interests and even if he was Naslunds guy right up until he got this job he isn't today. I don't see how ethically he could be both now.

HOwever, on the bright side, he knows all Marcus's thoughts so Marcus is pretty much phucked at the table when they do start talking. He knows his bluffs and he knows what buttons will make him dance. I see that as a big plus.

RB

Well, again, I don't see why Bowman would come back to coaching at this point, let alone come all the way out to the Rim to do it. But I wouldn't complain about it, that's for sure.

But if they are looking to go with a more offensive minded coach, who is out there? Is Craig Hartsburgh an option? Maybe they go with Don Hay? That might not be a bad move if they are going to be playing a lot of their youth over the next five years.

Who knows...we could very well see Pat Quinn back in as the coach. If that happens, look for Gillis to start adding more established talent at the expense of their prospects.

[KB in Kelowna]

I have to give Gillis credit for the press conference. Where Nonis was "Baghdad Bob" last week, Gillis at least had the honesty to say the assets aren't there. I know some commentators are apoplectic over this hire, but I am willing to wait and see.

[rustybadcock]

Well, again, I don't see why Bowman would come back to coaching at this point, let alone come all the way out to the Rim to do it. But I wouldn't complain about it, that's for sure.

But if they are looking to go with a more offensive minded coach, who is out there? Is Craig Hartsburgh an option? Maybe they go with Don Hay? That might not be a bad move if they are going to be playing a lot of their youth over the next five years.

Who knows...we could very well see Pat Quinn back in as the coach. If that happens, look for Gillis to start adding more established talent at the expense of their prospects.

Actually man, I made a big Freudein slip there....I meant to say I have a gut feeling they're going to move V out for BOWNESS. Not Bowman....:no: :slant: :o :o

I am not sure I would agree this is the best move but I just got me a feeling that's all.

Burns is the man IMO...but you already knew that didn'tchya. ;) :thumb:

RB

[rustybadcock]

I have to give Gillis credit for the press conference. Where Nonis was "Baghdad Bob" last week, Gillis at least had the honesty to say the assets aren't there. I know some commentators are apoplectic over this hire, but I am willing to wait and see.

Agreed. I mean, he knows everyone. He's no spring chicken and from the looks of things he's here to build a winning team and that's it. Whereas other GM's ala Burke were responsible for dealing with the marketing of a team. My feel is that Aqualini is not putting that on him, maybe I am wrong there.

RB

[AtLossForWords]

When I reflect on this, it wasn't initially what I expected, but it may actually work out good for this organization. They picked a guy that players and GMs alike have dealt with before. Where as with Nonis we can draw back to Burke and how he pissed off players like Umberger and Schaeffer which leaves players with a bad impression of going into contract talks, and after the Luongo deal teams were on the lookout for being "hosed".

That's what I think Aquaman saw in Gillis, a guy who has dealt on the side of players with GMs so players will be willing to continue working with him just as GMs will. If Aquaman wanted changes on this team, he brought in a guy with a track record of getting players to go where they wanted to be. Now he has to get players to go where he wants them to be.

If Vigneault is fired, there is no way I would make Bowness head coach. After seeing what happened to former assistants like Playfair last year and Paddock this year I wouldn't make my own assistant coach head coach if i moved him with a thousand foot pole. It just doesn't work out, the team falls apart.

I wouldn't be suprised to see Bowness head coach somewhere else next season. He's a good hockey guy, and it will be sad to see him leave this organization, but if Vigneault goes his whole staff has to go. They have to get a new coach with his own people and allow him to place his own stamp on his team.

[gordphish]

With all the talk about Naslund coming back because his agent was hired as the GM here, I'd keep another name in mind this summer. Bobby Holik.

[TimmyTabasco]

First of all, don't listen to the Vancouver media. Fearmongering comes to mind

I really like this move, for the fact its different..not the same old..same old

He brings a fresh outlook, and lots of NHL experience. Plus, he will lean on Tambellini..and surround himself with quality people

Anyway, I like his honesty

About the coach. Its hard to say. Vino did coach the team to a 105 point season. This past season they had all the injuries, which seriously limited the system in place..and it proved that the system couldn't work short handed

So, do you take a chance that they will stay healthy, and probably again finish top 5 in the conference? Or, do you say thats it and thats all..too many injuries..system wont work..cant take that chance again

Holik is interesting..but Cammalleri is more interesting. Ofcourse, he's a former client of Gillis, and does address the need for speed..and clutch scoring..

Also, if they do stick with Vino..and his system..try to sign Bulis..he would really help the PK..

[gordphish]

First of all, don't listen to the Vancouver media. Fearmongering comes to mind

I really like this move, for the fact its different..not the same old..same old

He brings a fresh outlook, and lots of NHL experience. Plus, he will lean on Tambellini..and surround himself with quality people

Anyway, I like his honesty

About the coach. Its hard to say. Vino did coach the team to a 105 point season. This past season they had all the injuries, which seriously limited the system in place..and it proved that the system couldn't work short handed

So, do you take a chance that they will stay healthy, and probably again finish top 5 in the conference? Or, do you say thats it and thats all..too many injuries..system wont work..cant take that chance again

Holik is interesting..but Cammalleri is more interesting. Ofcourse, he's a former client of Gillis, and does address the need for speed..and clutch scoring..

Also, if they do stick with Vino..and his system..try to sign Bulis..he would really help the PK..

Does Vigneault go? Depends on the direction Gillis is going in over the next few seasons. If he's going to bring in a bunch of veteren help, then I think the coach has to go. But if he plans on turning the team over to the youth core, then I think you give him until Christmas to prove that the injuries were a fluke.

I pointed out early in the year that Vigneault just didn't seem to be getting the best out of his veteren players. On the other hand, the younger guys seem to excel under his coaching.

Can he coach to more of an offensive team? I think so, if he had the right talent to work with. I don't think you can blame him for their scoring woes when he's had only a threadbare group of scoring forwards and no powerplay quarterback on the blueline to work with.

But let's say he does go. Who takes his place? Rumour has it that Laviolette may be on the way out in Carolina, but he's good friends with Waddell in Atlanta, and they are looking for a coach. Pat Quinn? Don Hay? I'm not so sure anyone available at the moment is an upgrade over Vigneault.

The other aspect to consider is how much you want Naslund back. I'm not sure Naslund will come back unless there is a coaching change.

I'm going to add this to be fair to Naslund...

I don't think he was ever supported properly here. I remember hearing that Chelios was a great guy to be around when the team is winning, but a miserable SOB when the team was losing. Naslund needed someone here like that, someone to keep the guys in the room honost. I also think he needed a true seargeant, a guy like Shanahan that will lead the troops into the battle on the ice.

My point is, I think we all agree that Yzerman was a great captain for the Wings, but he was always presented as a nice guy, much as Naslund has been. The difference is that Yzerman was supported with a variety of strong lieutenants and seargeants in guys like Chelios, Shanahan, Larionov and Fetisov. Guys who brought experience, intelligence, honosty and toughness to the leadership group in support of their captain.

[rustybadcock]

Well the more I think about V the more I think he's a fine coach. I like your assessment gord where youth goes. If the vets arn't going to tow the company line than they will sink a coach, any coach. The time is now for the youth movement. There are restricted free agents out there who could be had but it's going to cost money.

IF and that's a big IF, Naslund is to return, which I don't totally think is the worst move I would not have him as captain and I would do my damndest to get him line mates which can get points out of him. He needs to be a lurker, he's not a power forward like many have expected of him.

To me the biggest question is whom will lead these troupes? They need a true Alpha Male type. Someone special....and I don't think removing the C from Naslund and having him back would be the disaster the media is predicting it to be. Perhaps, sure but it worked like a charm in Dallas. I was blown away when they made Morrow the man....whom here then? Mitchell....I can't explain why I hesitate when I write that. I like him, I think he could do the job....but there is just something.

IMO the leader should come from the existing bunch and if not you'd better bring in someone pretty special. But I don't think that guys available via free agency. I just don't....however, there are a few sleepers in there who if this team is going the way of the kid they'd fit our team to a T. Namely Nigel Dawes and Corey Perry. Both RFA's and would require offer sheets but as you've pointed out in the past gord, we've not been so hot with number one picks anyway....:slant:

RB

[rustybadcock]

Does Vigneault go? Depends on the direction Gillis is going in over the next few seasons. If he's going to bring in a bunch of veteren help, then I think the coach has to go. But if he plans on turning the team over to the youth core, then I think you give him until Christmas to prove that the injuries were a fluke.

I pointed out early in the year that Vigneault just didn't seem to be getting the best out of his veteren players. On the other hand, the younger guys seem to excel under his coaching.

Can he coach to more of an offensive team? I think so, if he had the right talent to work with. I don't think you can blame him for their scoring woes when he's had only a threadbare group of scoring forwards and no powerplay quarterback on the blueline to work with.

But let's say he does go. Who takes his place? Rumour has it that Laviolette may be on the way out in Carolina, but he's good friends with Waddell in Atlanta, and they are looking for a coach. Pat Quinn? Don Hay? I'm not so sure anyone available at the moment is an upgrade over Vigneault.

The other aspect to consider is how much you want Naslund back. I'm not sure Naslund will come back unless there is a coaching change.

I'm going to add this to be fair to Naslund...

I don't think he was ever supported properly here. I remember hearing that Chelios was a great guy to be around when the team is winning, but a miserable SOB when the team was losing. Naslund needed someone here like that, someone to keep the guys in the room honost. I also think he needed a true seargeant, a guy like Shanahan that will lead the troops into the battle on the ice.

My point is, I think we all agree that Yzerman was a great captain for the Wings, but he was always presented as a nice guy, much as Naslund has been. The difference is that Yzerman was supported with a variety of strong lieutenants and seargeants in guys like Chelios, Shanahan, Larionov and Fetisov. Guys who brought experience, intelligence, honosty and toughness to the leadership group in support of their captain.

AND, I will add, that it took Stevie Y about 14 seasons before he really won anything and was questioned pretty much right up until he won....to be fair I think that too needs to be noted. People shape metal, men shape men and I don't think Naslunds mentor has fully arrived either. ;)

RB

[gordphish]

Well the more I think about V the more I think he's a fine coach. I like your assessment gord where youth goes. If the vets arn't going to tow the company line than they will sink a coach, any coach. The time is now for the youth movement. There are restricted free agents out there who could be had but it's going to cost money.

IF and that's a big IF, Naslund is to return, which I don't totally think is the worst move I would not have him as captain and I would do my damndest to get him line mates which can get points out of him. He needs to be a lurker, he's not a power forward like many have expected of him.

To me the biggest question is whom will lead these troupes? They need a true Alpha Male type. Someone special....and I don't think removing the C from Naslund and having him back would be the disaster the media is predicting it to be. Perhaps, sure but it worked like a charm in Dallas. I was blown away when they made Morrow the man....whom here then? Mitchell....I can't explain why I hesitate when I write that. I like him, I think he could do the job....but there is just something.

IMO the leader should come from the existing bunch and if not you'd better bring in someone pretty special. But I don't think that guys available via free agency. I just don't....however, there are a few sleepers in there who if this team is going the way of the kid they'd fit our team to a T. Namely Nigel Dawes and Corey Perry. Both RFA's and would require offer sheets but as you've pointed out in the past gord, we've not been so hot with number one picks anyway....:slant:

RB

If I had one piece of advice to give to Gillis, it would be to find a way to get that franchise centre. The inability to procure that talent played a major part in the downfall of all 9 GMs that have come before him here. Were I him, I'd be on the phone to Feaster about Stamkos, offering up anybody on the roster save Luongo.

[TimmyTabasco]

Why would Feaster want to part with Stamkos?

I think Jordan Staal, Jeff Carter, Patrice Bergeron all would make more sense

On the coaching front, there doesn't seem to be any better than Vino. Ofcourse there is Pat Burns, but is he ready for a fulltime NHL job?

Also, the Canucks should go after Larionov..give him a job with the team..

[AtLossForWords]

Why would Feaster want to part with Stamkos?

I think Jordan Staal, Jeff Carter, Patrice Bergeron all would make more sense

On the coaching front, there doesn't seem to be any better than Vino. Ofcourse there is Pat Burns, but is he ready for a fulltime NHL job?

Also, the Canucks should go after Larionov..give him a job with the team..

Larionov would be an excellent director of hockey operations for this team. He can provide for the Canucks what Hull has provided for Dallas.

Stamkos would make more sense for this team because he will be a top line talent which this hockey club is missing. When I look at Carter I think of a good second line center. For Staal he may have been buried in Pittsburgh behind Malkin and Crosby, but his goal production I believe dropped this year and he hasn't shown capable set up skills. There might be a case for Bergeron, but he has never been the number one guy for his team, which bring some uncertainty into the fold.

I think if the Canucks were to trade with Tampa Bay and take Steven Stamkos they would be drafting an impact player like Kane, Toews, or Backstrom who can have an immediate effect on the team and be a top line talent for a career here.

Feaster might consider parting with Stamkos for the twins. Behind LeCavalier and St. Louis the twins can be what they are best suited for, the second line. This would make Tampa one of the better groups of top six forward groups that may very well save his job.

[gordphish]

Larionov would be an excellent director of hockey operations for this team. He can provide for the Canucks what Hull has provided for Dallas.

Stamkos would make more sense for this team because he will be a top line talent which this hockey club is missing. When I look at Carter I think of a good second line center. For Staal he may have been buried in Pittsburgh behind Malkin and Crosby, but his goal production I believe dropped this year and he hasn't shown capable set up skills. There might be a case for Bergeron, but he has never been the number one guy for his team, which bring some uncertainty into the fold.

I think if the Canucks were to trade with Tampa Bay and take Steven Stamkos they would be drafting an impact player like Kane, Toews, or Backstrom who can have an immediate effect on the team and be a top line talent for a career here.

Feaster might consider parting with Stamkos for the twins. Behind LeCavalier and St. Louis the twins can be what they are best suited for, the second line. This would make Tampa one of the better groups of top six forward groups that may very well save his job.

Well put, Lossy.

[TimmyTabasco]

You move the twins, you basically have to rebuild the top two lines

Gillis/Aquillini have stated they want to win..as does Luongo..and they have a window of opportunity..meaning a long rebuilding process is not in order

Sure, they could get lucky..but

Just for the record..I dont trade for Stamkos unless Boyle is included in the package

[gordphish]

You move the twins, you basically have to rebuild the top two lines

Gillis/Aquillini have stated they want to win..as does Luongo..and they have a window of opportunity..meaning a long rebuilding process is not in order

Sure, they could get lucky..but

Just for the record..I dont trade for Stamkos unless Boyle is included in the package

And as long as they don't get that franchise centre, they can bring in whatever established talent they want to, and they still won't win the Cup.

Ask yourself this, Timmy...would you not trade Daniel and Henrik to get an 18 year old Sakic or Yzerman?

And just because they trade to get Stamkos, it doesn't mean they have to go through a long rebuilding process. You free up another 6 million or so in that deal and now have plenty of money to dip into what is largely an experienced free agent pool.

I used this example over at hockeyforums to illustrate my point, and I'll use it again here.

Trades

To Tampa Bay - D. Sedin, H. Sedin

To Vancouver - S. Stamkos, A. Roy



To Ottawa - A. Edler, C. Schneider, 2008 2nd Round Pick

To Vancouver - D. Heatley, R. Emery



Now let's say they take Kyle Beach with the 10th pick in the draft. At this point, you can see if the Oilers want Emery for a draft pick. If not, release him. His cap hit would then be 1.056 per over the next two seasons. Count it as part of Heatley's salary if it helps take the sting out.

UFA Signings

M. Naslund, M. Sundin, B. Campbell, R. Robitaille, C. Sanford

Sign Naslund and Sundin to short term deals, say 2 years. Both players will be over 35 next season, so you can write in a chunk of their salaries as performance bonuses to give you some breathing room under the cap.



Roster

Heatley / Sundin / Naslund
Raymond / Stamkos / Beach
Pyatt / Kesler / Burrows
Pettinger / Robitaille / Roy
Cowan, Brown

Campbell / Mitchell
Ohlund / Bieksa
Salo / Krajicek
Weaver

Luongo
Sanford

Reserves

Jaffrey, Grabner, Hansen, Gendur, Simek, Bernier, Rypien, Bourdon, McIver, Ellington, Fitzgerald, Rahimi, McIntyre +



You can argue the merits of the trades and signings all you want. My point is that dealing the Sedins for Stamkos wouldn't have to mark the start of a long rebuilding process here, nor it would mean the Canucks would have to sacrifice even one playoff year over the short term.

That is an example of how Gillis could move the Sedins for Stamkos and end up with a better offensive team.

[AtLossForWords]

You move the twins, you basically have to rebuild the top two lines

Gillis/Aquillini have stated they want to win..as does Luongo..and they have a window of opportunity..meaning a long rebuilding process is not in order

Sure, they could get lucky..but

Just for the record..I dont trade for Stamkos unless Boyle is included in the package

Boyle would not be included, that's why Tampa signed him to an extension. They consider him a core player there.

The difficulty with the Sedins is that are not a lot of teams that could offer up the right return for the Sedins and give the Canucks what they deserve.

Gillis didn't seem to give them a vote of confidence as I thought he was very suspicious of their ability to be top line players. If he needs a top line how is he going to be able to make trades to make that happen without involving the Sedins? The Canucks can't offer much else. They could trade Kesler and Edler, but somehow I feel the Sedins are a better piece to subtract at this point.

[gordphish]

OK...so some of you don't like the idea of moving the twins for Stamkos. Then how about this deal?

To Columbus - A. Edler

To Vancouver - G. Brule, 6th overall pick in the 08 draft.

The Jackets are in desperate need of puck moving defensemen, they have another first round pick at #20, and most of the people in the organization were never all that high on Brule to begin with.

The Canucks could then take the speedy projected franchise centre Cody Hodgson at 6th and still have their 10th pick. They could take Beach with the 10th pick and use Hodgson, Beach and Raymond as their second line next year. In Brule they get a right handed guy they can stick on the wing with the twins to give them a short term first line until Hodgson is ready to take on the first line duties full time.

Then they could trade Schneider to Ottawa for their first pick and take Colten Teubert to offset the loss of Edler.

[KB in Kelowna]

Given the fact that Paul Holmgren rebuilt the Flyers( why do I feel like a Dog River resident spitting after say Woolerton, after I type this?) with trades and free agent signings, and letting some young guys play, there is hope for making some well thought and shrewd moves.

[gordphish]

Given the fact that Paul Holmgren rebuilt the Flyers( why do I feel like a Dog River resident spitting after say Woolerton, after I type this?) with trades and free agent signings, and letting some young guys play, there is hope for making some well thought and shrewd moves.

Yeah, I really think they need to get this Stamkos kid KB...do whatever it takes short of moving Luongo.

Feaster wants Kesler and Edler, fine. Gillis can always sign Holik to take the third line centre duties until White is ready.

If he wants the Sedins, again, fine by me.

Ever since I can remember watching this team, they've always cheaped out and plugged a number two centre into the number one spot. Gradin, Sundstrum, Quinn, Ronning, Linden, Morrison, Henrik...

Championship teams are built around depth at centre, not from the goaltender out. I can point to six teams in the last thirty years that have won championships with goaltenders that are or were considered to be less than elite among their peers but had tremendous depth at centre, and really only one team in that same stretch that won because of its goaltending and supporting defense.

Was Billy Smith considered a top 5 NHL goaltender in his prime? How about Bill Ranford? Tom Barrasso? Mike Richter? Vernon or Osgood? How about Khabibulin or Cam Ward? Would you put Giguerre top 5 today? Even top 10?

Trottier / Goring, Gretzky / Messier, Lemieux / Francis, Sakic / Forsberg, Yzerman / Federov, Nieuwendyk / Modano, Vincente Lecavalier / Brad Richards, Staal / Brind'Amour, MacDonald / Getzlaf.

ANd then the third line centres...guys like Holik, Drury, Draper, Carbonneau, Weight and Pahlsson.

You want to win the Stanley Cup? Your second line centre better be good enough to be a first line centre on half the teams in the league.

Stamkos is being compared to Yzerman and Sakic. Some clubs go decades without getting a chance to add a guy like this. Tampa has one already. Make Feaster a deal he can't refuse, and get serious about finally bringing a championship to Vancouver.

[TimmyTabasco]

I think Gillis should give the twins a chance

Provide them with a bonafide top six scoring winger,with an edge, and see what happens

Also, create a solid 1a line, so you dont have only one big line..but two

BTW, who does Brunstrom think he is? He hasn't proved anything, and even wasn't drafted. Yet, he's creating hype on his signing. Just sign a damn contract, and get on with it...

[gordphish]

I think Gillis should give the twins a chance

Provide them with a bonafide top six scoring winger,with an edge, and see what happens

Also, create a solid 1a line, so you dont have only one big line..but two

BTW, who does Brunstrom think he is? He hasn't proved anything, and even wasn't drafted. Yet, he's creating hype on his signing. Just sign a damn contract, and get on with it...

This is all JP Barry's doing. This guy is going to be a grade A bust, just you wait...

[rustybadcock]

This is all JP Barry's doing. This guy is going to be a grade A bust, just you wait...

Yeah I saw him on the tube the other night watching I believe the Detroit game. He sure had a "my **** don't stink" look on his face. I realize that's harsh judgment but really, the reports on this guy to date arn't so favorable aside from perhaps his numbers. I still say, 82 games in a league where the banging and crashing only gets worse and worse and the paychecks stop at the end of the first season can really be a rude awakening to some of these dudes from overseas.

You might have another nail hit square on the head with this kid. For me, I really think this team needs a hellova lot more than another Euro. We need more than just "one" guy.

RB

[KB in Kelowna]

This is all JP Barry's doing. This guy is going to be a grade A bust, just you wait...
I saw this by James Duthie at TSN: http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/james_duthie/?id=236840

I just don't see how a 23 year old with mediocre numbers is worth the hype. If he had Gretzky like numbers in the Swedish Elite League, perhaps. However when Nonis was canned there were people crying that Canucks lost out on this guy, I don't think signing him would mean the Canucks are playing meaningful games in May of 2009.

[rustybadcock]

Yeah, gettting pretty tired of Fabian.

Check out the numbers from the SEL last year,

Fabian.

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=104356


Lee Goren. (yes, I said LEE FREAKIN GOREN)

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=28868

[KB in Kelowna]

Yeah, gettting pretty tired of Fabian.

Check out the numbers from the SEL last year,

Fabian.

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=104356


Lee Goren. (yes, I said LEE FREAKIN GOREN)

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=28868
Nuff said for me.

[AtLossForWords]

Agreed on Brunstrom, Edler has more impressive numbers with both the Moose and the Rockets as a defenseman.

However Elder's numbers in SWE JR. as opposed for 40 points as a Rocket he had 23 as a MoDo blueliner. Then again he did that in 33 games as opposed to what Brunstrom's 54.

You can't compare a forward to a defenseman, but when a good two way defenseman seems to be outscoring a scoring forward there's some questions that need to be answered.

[TimmyTabasco]

So..there's a rumour that Pat Burns will be the next coach

I think it would be a very good idea, but not sure about his health..

Is he alright to coach a full season? I haven't heard much about his cancer

[rustybadcock]

So..there's a rumour that Pat Burns will be the next coach

I think it would be a very good idea, but not sure about his health..

Is he alright to coach a full season? I haven't heard much about his cancer

Well you know who will be pretty happy to hear about this....:wicked: :wave:

Last I read his cancer is in and has been in remission for some time now. I believe that link I posted here to that story on him has info on it. I posted it a few months ago if you recall.

Pat Burns is I believe the 10th in all time wins as a HC in this game?...! He'll do good things. However, should V be tossed out the door just yet? I dunno...

AND, I don't think it will take too long before the Quinnville rumors start too, if V should get canned.

Joel Q has been let go. http://avalanche.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=362999

RB

[gordphish]

Well you know who will be pretty happy to hear about this....:wicked: :wave:

Last I read his cancer is in and has been in remission for some time now. I believe that link I posted here to that story on him has info on it. I posted it a few months ago if you recall.

Pat Burns is I believe the 10th in all time wins as a HC in this game?...! He'll do good things. However, should V be tossed out the door just yet? I dunno...

AND, I don't think it will take too long before the Quinnville rumors start too, if V should get canned.

Joel Q has been let go. http://avalanche.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=362999

RB

Again, I don't see how Burns fits if Gillis plans to build a more offensive, up tempo team. I like the fact that he's a coach that has had a lot of playoff success, but other than that, I don't see the point of firing Vigneault just to bring in the same type of coach.

Quenville I can see, and I actually think this is the way it will go. Wouldn't surprise me at all to see Vigneault let go and Quenville brought in by the end of this week. And then of course I will ask, why then did they fire Crow in the first place?

If Vigneault does lose the head coaching job, I'd like to see him stay on as an assistant...as I've said in the past, I think he is a good coach for the younger players.

[AtLossForWords]

Burns brings a winning mentality I like, but he's just another Vigneault behind the bench. In other words, echo Gordphish.

I'm not so sure about Q he's never been a winner, but he might be a guy who can coach vetereans better than Vigneault, along with helping them with setbacks. I thought one of the problems with Vigneault is that he forged bad relationships with guys like Mitchell and Luongo when he would openly criticize them to the Vancouver media machine.

[KB in Kelowna]

And then of course I will ask, why then did they fire Crow in the first place?



Gordo, he had lost the room.

[TimmyTabasco]

Burns still seems like the solid choice. Sure, he coaches a defensive game. But, he can also coach a more offensive game

And, he's a winner

Q is also a decent coach

Either choice wouldn't be disapointing

However, I would also like Vino to hang around as asst. coach..but thats probably unlikely to happen

[KB in Kelowna]

Burns still seems like the solid choice. Sure, he coaches a defensive game. But, he can also coach a more offensive game

And, he's a winner

Q is also a decent coach

Either choice wouldn't be disapointing

However, I would also like Vino to hang around as asst. coach..but thats probably unlikely to happen
Well we will have to wait until they turn down the Leaf job first, because if I go by what I see, hear and read everyone with a hockey stick and skatelaces is rumoured to be heading there in some capacity or another.:laughing:

[rustybadcock]

And Gillis has hired Scott Mellanby to work with the team.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=237755&lid=sublink03&lpos=headlines_main

I have no opinion on this.

RB

[gordphish]

And Gillis has hired Scott Mellanby to work with the team.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=237755&lid=sublink03&lpos=headlines_main

I have no opinion on this.

RB

Odd. But interesting. What does it tell you about the Aquilini's and Gillis' opinion of Linden that he wasn't given the job? Although what Mellanby can bring to the table, I just don't know. He doesn't have a Cup, either.

It would be nice if they would get around to adding championship calibre help.

[gordphish]

Gordo, he had lost the room.

Did he lose the room? Or did he do a remarkable job with a depleted defense and no number one goalie?

I said at the time it was a mistake, and I still stand by it.

[TimmyTabasco]

Yeah, the addition of Mellanby is a bit odd

However, Gillis has said he will be doing things differently

Hopefully he brings insight, especially from the eastern conference

On Crawford, Poisson..Crow wasn't a great coach. Sure, he won a cup. But, he wasn't the right coach for the Canucks

[AtLossForWords]

Crow was a creative coach. I have a feeling that if he was given Vigneault '06 squad, they would have had better success against Anaheim, because Crow knows how to get a powerplay working. If Crow had a franchise goalie behind him, he'd probably still be coaching here. Instead he played an entire season with a backup goalie and his team missed the playoffs by less than four points.

Vigneault is stale, teams know what they have to do to beat his teams, and that in my mind makes him an ineffective coach.

[gordphish]

Listening to everything that was said yesterday about Mellanby, I get the feeling that he was hired mainly to make Vancouver more attractive to talent that might consider signing here.

So the questions I had were, is this just part of Gillis' overall strategy or is this a response to an existing problem? And if it's the latter, what exactly were the problems that have deterred people from wanting to sign here in the past?

I mean, it's a great city of you're rich, which even the lowest paid NHLer is. They have Roberto Luongo, one of the best goalies in the game. So what is the problem?

Perhaps Trevor Linden's actions during the lockout? A perception that the team simply hasn't been committed to winning? A reputation for being cheap and miserly in contract negotiations?

Or something that runs far deeper?

Just curious.

[rustybadcock]

Listening to everything that was said yesterday about Mellanby, I get the feeling that he was hired mainly to make Vancouver more attractive to talent that might consider signing here.

So the questions I had were, is this just part of Gillis' overall strategy or is this a response to an existing problem? And if it's the latter, what exactly were the problems that have deterred people from wanting to sign here in the past?

I mean, it's a great city of you're rich, which even the lowest paid NHLer is. They have Roberto Luongo, one of the best goalies in the game. So what is the problem?

Perhaps Trevor Linden's actions during the lockout? A perception that the team simply hasn't been committed to winning? A reputation for being cheap and miserly in contract negotiations?

Or something that runs far deeper?

Just curious.

Hmmm, very interesting. MEllanby, a PR move....?

RB

[KB in Kelowna]

Listening to everything that was said yesterday about Mellanby, I get the feeling that he was hired mainly to make Vancouver more attractive to talent that might consider signing here.

So the questions I had were, is this just part of Gillis' overall strategy or is this a response to an existing problem? And if it's the latter, what exactly were the problems that have deterred people from wanting to sign here in the past?

I mean, it's a great city of you're rich, which even the lowest paid NHLer is. They have Roberto Luongo, one of the best goalies in the game. So what is the problem?

Perhaps Trevor Linden's actions during the lockout? A perception that the team simply hasn't been committed to winning? A reputation for being cheap and miserly in contract negotiations?

Or something that runs far deeper?

Just curious.

Given that Gillis was/is a freind of Goodenow and thus was involved the revolt against Ted Saskin, Trevor won't be joing the Hockey Operations department of the Canucks any time soon.

[KB in Kelowna]

On the coaching situation, it was pointed out somewhere today that Michel Therrein was in Pittsburgh before Ray Shero arrived, but the new GM decided to keep the coach even though he hadn't hired him. Perhaps Coach V stays after all:shrug:

[TimmyTabasco]

On the coaching situation, it was pointed out somewhere today that Michel Therrein was in Pittsburgh before Ray Shero arrived, but the new GM decided to keep the coach even though he hadn't hired him. Perhaps Coach V stays after all:shrug:

Yeah..same thing with Dallas..and Tippett

[gordphish]

Given that Gillis was/is a freind of Goodenow and thus was involved the revolt against Ted Saskin, Trevor won't be joing the Hockey Operations department of the Canucks any time soon.

Agreed. As long as Gillis is the GM, I don't see a place on the team for Trevor at any level. Which suits me just fine. We don't need to keep hitching our wagon to mediocre underachievers.